The eyes of the world are glued to the English Premier League. Millions of people follow their favourite teams, cheer, hope and doubt. And those doubters tend to be the most vocal. There are many talking points regarding every team – especially those around the top.Arsenal continue to hit all the right notes and are deservedly top of the league. However, a large portion of the media is questioning their credentials, saying that Manchester City are too strong and it’s only a matter of time before the Gunners’ form drops, along with their league position. Just below the two title contenders, Newcastle United are astonishingly third – above the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. The Magpies have lost just one match all season and boast the best defensive record. And just like Arsenal, they are expected to fall. 🗣️ “Newcastle are going to be a big, big test for Arsenal!”Watch the full Match Preview on YouTube now 👉 https://t.co/M0cnUtziV0#ARSNEW #AFC #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/Yf4nWjYvha— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) January 2, 2023 Tonight, both teams will have a chance to prove they are for real.Beating Newcastle would extend Arsenal’s lead to ten points at the top – at least for two days. Coach Mikel Arteta knows he’ll face a strong team led by a competent tactician Eddie Howe.”Newcastle are a very good team. Very well coached. I think what Eddie has done in that short period of time, it’s incredible. They have created a belief, a big momentum around the squad that they play the same way against any opponent. If you ask me, my dream for 2023 is – it’s to win against Newcastle. And then the next one, and then the next one. That’s my dream.”The Gunners have won 11 successive home games against Newcastle in all competitions, keeping clean sheets in each of the last seven since a 1-0 league defeat in November 2010. They are on a run of 10 straight league victories at Emirates Stadium, dating back to last season. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6923529##In previous years, the Magpies have set off for North London with a negative approach and invited pressure by parking the bus. Yet this time, Howe is unwilling to sit back and wait for things to happen. The former Bournemouth coach has lost all six of his Premier League away matches against Arsenal by an aggregate score of 2-16 – but that doesn’t deter him from trying to win.”We want the players to believe they can win every game. In order to do that, you have to prepare as if you can win every game. So we try to be consistent.”Howe’s side have taken points off Manchester City City, Spurs, Manchester United and Chelsea since the start of the season. These results have been no fluke. The Magpies’ determination to attack and use the ball to create chances should give us an entertaining match tonight.Haller returns to training following testicular cancer battleEmile Smith Rowe could be involved for Arsenal after four months out with a groin injury. Newcastle left-back Matt Targett has been ruled out for the foreseeable future because of a heel injury. He joins Alexander Isak, Jonjo Shelvey, Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett on the sidelines.The critics and haters will have much to say no matter what happens. But tonight is not about opinions but facts. Tonight is about the truth.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – Matchday 19MondayBrentford – Liverpool 3-1 (2-0)/Konate 19 og, Wissa 42, Mbeumo 84 – Oxlade-Chamberlain 50/Tuesday22.45: (2.25) Leicester (3.40) Fulham (3.20)22.45: (1.85) Arsenal (3.70) Newcastle (4.60)22.45: (3.60) Everton (3.30) Brighton (2.25)23.00: (1.30) Man.Utd. (5.70) Bournemouth (9.00)Wednesday22.30: (2.10) Southampton (3.50) Nott.Forest (3.80)22.45: (2.65) Leeds (3.25) West Ham (2.70)23.00: (2.05) Aston Villa (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.90)23.00: (3.35) Crystal Palace (3.40) Tottenham (2.30)Thursday23.00: (5.50) Chelsea (3.90) Man.City (1.70)***odds are subject to change
